PBA IMAGES
Roger Pogoy came up big in the closing minutes as Phoenix-Far Eastern University tripped Tanduay Rhum, 85-80, to secure the third quarterfinal bonus in the PBA D-League Monday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Pogoy scattered 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a key triple that gave the Accelerators an 83-77 cushion with 57.1 seconds left.
The victory—which spoiled the Rhum Masters’ bid for a sixth straight win—gave the Accelerators a share of the second spot at 5-1 and a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals, the incentive given to the top four teams at the end of the elimination round.
“I’m thankful that the players responded, because at the start, they relaxed,” coach Eric Gonzales said of his Accelerators, who roared back from an 11-point deficit, 33-44, in the first half.
Mike Tolomia also fired 14 points and dished out nine assists, while Mac Belo added 14 points for the Accelerators.
Cafe France, already assured of a quarterfinal bonus, regained the top spot at 6-1 after a 97-78 blasting of AMA University Online.
The Bakers rebounded from last week’s shock loss to the Rhum Masters with Aaron Jeruta (20 points), Paul Zamar (15 points), Carl Bryan Cruz (14 points) and Rod Ebondo (12 points, 19 rebounds) all coming through.
“I guess the boys learned their lessons because everyone worked hard,” said Bakers coach Egay Macaraya.
Tanduay had aimed to extend its surprise streak to close in on the quarterfinal incentive.
Although the loss kept them inside the top four at 5-3, the Rhum Masters must hope that AMA beats University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner on Thursday to keep the spot and clinch the last twice-to-beat bonus.
The scores:
First Game
CAFE FRANCE 97—Jeruta 20, Zamar 15, Cruz 14, Ebondo 12, De Leon 10, Manlangit 7, Abundo 5, Casino 5, Celso 4, Opiso 3, Arim 2, Anunciacion 0, Guinitaran 0, Villahermosa 0.
AMA UNIVERSITY 78—Tampus 19, De Leon 14, King 11, Jamito 9, McCarthy 9, Arambulo 5, Angeles 4, Carpio 3, Magpantay 2, Mendoza 2, Alberto 0, Jordan 0.
Quarters: 22-10, 45-35, 79-56, 97-78
Second Game:
PHOENIX-FEU 85—Pogoy 21, Belo 14, Tolomia 14, Jose 12, Tamsi 9, Ru. Escoto 8, Inigo 5, Ri. Escoto 2, Andrada 0, Mendoza 0.
TANDUAY 80—Celda 13, Acuna 11, Lingganay 11, Javillonar 8, Llagas 8, Wetherell 7, Belencion 6, Pessumal 6, Tagarda 4, Gotladera 3, Santos 3, Eriobu 0.
Quarters: 18-23, 37-46, 62-61, 85-80